The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has objected to the pen-down strike announced by the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) from October 14 to 16, directing all educational institutions and teachers in eastern Nagaland not to participate.
In a directive on Friday, the federation described the proposed strike as “irrelevant to the cause of the student community” and “detrimental to the broader educational interest” of the region, where improving academic standards remains a priority. It warned that any teacher defying the directive would be treated “with utmost seriousness” and urged schools to ensure normal classes continue.
The ENSF said it had consistently advocated against “disparities that have long crippled the education system in eastern Nagaland” and criticised what it described as the influence of “certain individuals who appear to be exploiting the system.”
“These individuals, backed by an organisation that seems well versed with governmental processes, have remained silent and inactive while the federation, since inception, has consistently fought against systematic discrimination in the education system,” the directive said.
Recalling its own protest earlier this year against the rationalisation order by the directorate of School Education, the federation said the issue is currently under review by a joint committee. It maintained that any strike now would “jeopardise constructive engagement” and disrupt students preparing for final examinations.
“The proposed strike is untimely, unwise, and counterproductive to the goal of enhancing the educational landscape of eastern Nagaland,” the directive said, appealing to teachers to uphold the shared vision of improving learning standards by refraining from participation.